Christmas 1980 marked a turning point in my life. I was newly widowed with two small children. During the day I plied my trade as an electronic technician. At night, I was Mommy. What a juggling act. I went from angstroms to angst on a daily basis. I tamed electrons during the day and sought to raise my kids on nights and weekends.

Hah, I find myself saying. Try juggling that one. I had no clue how to parent.

I was a miserable mother. After the death of my husband, I moved my young ‘ns into a new apartment and promptly told them, “You can’t get away me from here. There’s no circular path.” My oldest looked at me stymied, and said, “Huh?” I shook my head, apologized, and told him I was sorry.